Shredder Mechanic

Sims Limited; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 30,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Sims Metal in Chicago, IL is seeking a Shredder Mechanic for the 2nd shift to troubleshoot, repair, and maintain production machines and plant facilities, ensuring reliable operation of the shredding line.

The position offers an hourly rate up to $26.13 and requires a high school diploma or GED with 2–5 years of mechanical experience. Strong safety awareness and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• Requires a high school diploma or GED; technical school preferred.
• 2–5 years mechanical experience or equivalent training.
• Valid driver’s license; welding experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Diagnose and repair malfunctioning production and plant equipment.
• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on production equipment.
• Replace belts, bearings, motors, and electrical systems as needed.
• Monitor and adjust oil levels and condition on production equipment.
• Calibrate production equipment to ensure synchronization of all parts.
• Build machine modifications or system improvements as requested by management.
• Report issues with electrical systems and controls for production equipment and throughout the plant.
• Perform welding and torching tasks as needed.
• Adhere to safety protocols and maintain housekeeping.

Skills

Clear verbal and written communication

Bilingual in Spanish

Time management

Troubleshooting

Weather resilience

Self-motivation

Education

High school diploma or GED

Technical school

Tools

Hand tools

Welding equipment

Job description

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Shredder Mechanic

Date: Sep 26, 2026

Location: Chicago, IL, US, 60608

Company: simsmetalm

Salary Range: 54,350.40

Sims Metal (Sims) is a global leader in metal recycling. With facilities across the globe, Sims plays an intrinsic role in the circular economy by making resources available for future use. As a responsible corporate citizen, we continuously seek new ways to broaden our participation in the environmental sector, ensuring that our future is as bright, safe, and secure as at any time in our long history.

Purpose of the Role:

Responsible for troubleshooting, repair and maintenance of production machines and plant facilities and for the proper preventative maintenance of the plant and production equipment assigned.

• Hourly Rate: up to $26.13 p/h
• Schedule: 2nd shift schedule from 2:00 p.m. to 12:30 on Monday to Friday and Sa 12pm - 6pm

Principal Accountabilities:

• Diagnose and repair malfunctioning production and plant equipment.
• Perform scheduled preventative maintenance on production equipment.
• Replace broken belts, bearings, motors, and electrical systems as needed.
• Monitor and adjust oil levels and condition on production equipment on a daily or weekly basis.
• Calibrate production equipment to ensure synchronization of all parts.
• Build machine modifications or system improvements as requested by management.
• Report issues with electrical systems and controls for production equipment and throughout the plant.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Maintain general housekeeping in the work area.
• Perform welding and torching tasks as needed.
• Conduct visual and audible inspections of equipment.
• Adhere to all safety protocols and responsibilities while performing work.
• Other duties as assigned

Experience/Qualifications Required

• Technical school preferred. High school diploma or general education degree (GED)
• Two to five years mechanical experience and/or training; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Valid driver's license
• Mechanical aptitude
• Welding experience preferred
• Knowledge and use of hand tools

Skills:

• Clear verbal and written communication skills
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus
• Time management
• Strong troubleshooting and diagnostic skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to work outside in various extreme weather conditions
• Ability to learn quickly and stay motivated. Work at a continuous productive pace safely

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly exposed to cold, hot and wet weather conditions Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

A career with Sims provides you with the opportunity to work with an organization whose goal is to be the world’s safest and most responsible recycling company. Our people achieve this by creating a zero-harm workplace, being exemplary members of the communities in which we operate, and being responsible stewards of the environment. We also offer competitive pay and a range of attractive benefits.

Sims is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value the diversity of all of our employees and are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute, advance on merit, and realize their full potential. Sims does not discriminate with regard to race, sex, religion, color, national origin, citizenship status, disability, age, marital or familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, housing status, source of income, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws. This applies to any employment decision, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. qualified applicants with a disability in need of a reasonable accommodation may request such without fear of reprisal or discrimination.

To achieve our purpose to create a world without waste to preserve our planet, we are guided by our Principles of Purpose: Be Safe + Well, Band Together, Be Accountable + Transparent, Consistently Innovate, Inspire with Purpose, Celebrate + Have Fun.

Why Choose A Career with Sims?

Sims is a hub of innovation, offering employees the chance to explore new ideas and technologies while providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.

With a diverse workforce, Sims fosters a sense of belonging and inclusion where employees can thrive and establish lasting connections. Working at Sims offers the chance to engage with a global network, providing opportunities for travel, cross-cultural experiences, and the ability to contribute to a sustainable future. Sims is renowned as one of the world’s leading sustainable companies, empowering employees to make a difference in creating a world without waste to preserve the planet.

Sims prioritizes employee wellbeing, offering superior benefits packages, meaningful training opportunities, and a supportive atmosphere where employees feel valued and heard at all levels of the organization. Sims maintains a strong focus on safety, where individuals are encouraged to challenge themselves, contribute, and support one another, in a collaborative team environment.